Section 1:3 Environment
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Family Structure
The structure of a family can influence many
areas of a child’s life. A family may include
any combination of a father, mother, children,
grandparents, or other relatives. Sometimes the
family includes stepparents or stepchildren. Not
all children grow up with both parents in the
family.
Changes in family structure often affect
the family’s ability to provide a stimulating
environment. For instance, there may not be
enough money for all the children’s needs.
There may not be enough time to listen, share,
encourage, or guide each child.
Whatever the family structure may be, it is
important that the family fulfills its functions
and meets the needs of each family member.
Sometimes others, such as grandparents, older
siblings, babysitters, stepparents, or community
youth leaders, help make this happen.
Parents are usually idealistic with their first
child. They have high expectations for him or her.
Older siblings may be given more responsibility
in the family. They may be expected to do things
for themselves. They may be required to set
an example and care for younger siblings. As
a result, oldest children often develop skills
for making decisions, organizing tasks, and
supervising others, 1-11.
The youngest child often receives a lot of
attention. Older siblings may do tasks that the
youngest child could and should learn to do
alone. As a result, younger children may be
slow to develop self-help skills such as dressing
themselves. Sometimes younger children may
struggle to get a chance to express themselves.
When they do get a chance to talk, others may
not take them seriously. In some families, the
expectations for the youngest child are lower
than for the oldest child. Families may provide
fewer limits and fewer responsibilities. In these
situations, the youngest child may appear lazy
or undisciplined. In other families, the youngest
child develops skills rapidly to keep up with
older siblings.
What kinds of activities in a family
environment could help a teen grow to
maturity?
Use What You Learn
The Influence of Siblings
A sibling is a brother or sister. They can
be the source of fun and good times together.
Siblings can also be the source of conflict and
competition.
A family environment that includes siblings
can be beneficial. Siblings can learn much from
each other. An older sibling may teach a younger
sibling. They often play together and can be good
companions. They can learn to share as they play.
They can learn to work together to do a task.
Experiences with siblings can help children learn
to get along with others.
Sibling Position
Being the first, the last, or a middle child
in the family can make a difference in a child’s
development. Being an only child may also affect
development.
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Older siblings may be asked to help care for
younger children in the family.